Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you and yours have a great, warm, and hearty thanksgiving.
Much for all of us to be thankful about! :).

For those of you that might want an opportunity to burn off those delicious calories, join us for a paddle Saturday @ 7:30 AM - unless it is raining hard the morning of. Otherwise, see you there!

No practice on Sunday.

Janet is back to visit - Happy Hour!

THIS WEDNESDAY - NOV 26th
3:30 - whenever @ Sharkeez Bar in Manhattan Beach!

Janet is visiting from London & is craving Sharkeez's fish tacos!
Let's show her some SD love by having a Happy Hour in her honor!
All are welcome!

2-for-1 drink specials

Extended happy hour till 8 PM

1 FREE platter for every 10 to 15 guests in your party

A reserved section of the restaurant all night long

Maybe someone can convince Charlie to indulge in more free jello shots so he can show off his dancing skills again!

Sharkeez Manhattan Beach
3801 Highland Ave. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(See map for parking)

Paddler Spotlight - Natalie & Robert

Birthday?
Natalie: 11/12
Robert: 11/11.

Hometown?
Natalie: Carson, CA
Robert: I was born in Seattle, but been in SoCal since 6 mos old, grew up in Fullerton, reside in Placentia.

How long have you been paddling for?
Natalie: April '08
Robert: 2 SHORT years! I have been lucky enough to paddle for 2 complete seasons
(Thank You, AJ, and by extension Janet =D )


Why do you paddle?
Natalie: First and foremost is because I love being on the water but then at my first tournament I discovered a team rush that I hadn't experienced before or at least in a very long time.
Robert: So many reasons to paddle, too few not to! Generally, I have a short attention span (I am a man after all) and as a sport it is constant action and concentration, it feeds my adrenaline habit and keeps my mind from wandering=D Specifically, burn fat, build core (I may get a six pack yet), being on the water, and oh yeah, the people! SD peeps rock! An amazing bunch of people.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Natalie: I was moved by the coaches (and team members) who acknowledged each and every member for their hard work. Everyone was valuing everyone's time and sportsmanship regardless if you were a newbie or veteran. It was overall human kindness & dedication that really stuck with me.
Robert: Favorite: Big LB 2008 Mixed Finals comeback after a mentally crushing defeat in the Master’s race. I don’t know why I felt so bad, but that Finals race brought me back.

Notable: Dom paddling alone in SFO Bay after our infamous capsize =p

Any dislikes or complaints about the sport?
Natalie: None, whatsoever.
Robert: The sport as an activity, no. The sport as in organization, YES, the sport is far too small for the organizational infighting that exists, but hey, that’s people not the sport. Oh, and practices are too short now at only 1.5 hrs =)

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Natalie: Scuba Diving, Interior Design, Wine tasting events and Hula dancing (at least back in the day)
Robert: NONE, I live for the paddle =) Well, OK, I do like Baking yummies, Fishing, Blading Swimming, Snorkeling, Water and Plant gardening, and since starting DB have picked up Kayaking, Snowboarding, Rock Climbing and Rock Band… Not enough hours in a day!:

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Natalie: I train for a certain time set that I want to achieve. For example, if I'm running and want to run a 5k in <30>
Robert: I just taper off workout intensity the week before, trying not to alter any eating or sleeping patterns (extra sleep can be as bad as too little)

Favorite form of Wobbly Pop?
Natalie: Huh?
Robert: Wobbly Pop: Beer (too many good brews to identify) Portland was AWESOME!
Wobbly Drink: Watermelon Martini (the ones I make =D)

Any advise for new Paddlers?
Natalie: Just show up and be ready for an exhilarating time
Robert: Stick with it! It’s a bit “hard” in the beginning as you learn form and body function and synchronization. Soon those technical issues will fall into place and you will be “challenging” yourself, which is where the real fun begins!

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Natalie: Happy! But fear of looking stupid is a motivation, too
Robert: I would have to say neither … and both. My mind and body have to be willing and able to paddle, and that synergy can be reached or broken in any mood.

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Natalie: Being a part of amazingly talented & organized group of people.
Robert: Spending time with the team! Either on or off the water it is an adventure. I find endless inspiration from my SD brethren whether 13 or 50!

Name a fellow Space Dragon (or five) of either sex you would want to hook-up with a close-friend, family member...maybe yourself :) ?
Natalie: This is funny! Ummmm, hadn't really thought of this. Maybe Galen with .......(I have to think of single friends for him now). How old is that guy? I think he's hilarious and has a wonderful personality. Who else is single? I like playing matchmaker; apparently so do you.
Robert: I want them ALL for myself =)

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Natalie: Tammy!
Robert: Wow! So many … and interesting for different reasons … how can I pick most interesting … For their ability to massively emote fun energy yet when it’s time paddle, all about concentration and inspiring all the while: Wade, Galen, Tran, Jackie.

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Natalie: Everything is great to me.
Robert: It’s hard to say, in my 2 years the team has been constantly changing and growing, that’s good way to be =)

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Natalie: No secrets - my life is an open book. I'm in construction; I'm a hands on dirty girl. Other than walking on scaffolds or steel beams, I know every change to the project's scope and always try to minimize our risk. Boring I know, but I'm an interior designer at heart. I'm a landlord of a couple properties that I purchased myself and renovated mostly myself back to their historical make-up. Hard ass work but fun!
Robert: I love to make/bake treats (cookies, cheesecake, ice cream, …) No one believes it’s me that does it =p

Kim & his Pipes & Hoses

All of you know our very own Kim Bushong as a passionate paddler & great teammate, but most may not know about this humble man's very impressive resume as an accomplished professional endurance athlete and sponsored multiple-time champion in offshore Jet Ski racing.

Google Kim and read about his exploits here, here, here, here, and here.

Don't blush, Kim :).

Kim's got some great race stories - like how he got stranded by himself something like 10 miles off-shore on top of a sinking watercraft due to an equipment failure - ask him sometime.

Below he shares a classic picture & interesting experience from this past weekend ...

"... I had to ride my jet ski up onto a plywood ramp to get the back end of it out of the water for some work. On the first try I only made it about three feet up the ramp, it was like glue. On the second attempt I gave it a little more throttle, I thought, and not only cleared the ramp, but slid over an additional 15 feet of dock then continued to slide over about 20 feet of concrete before coming to rest against the concrete foundation of a building, I also nipped a couple of acetylene tanks that were against the building. The workers came outside to hear what the clang was when the tanks banged against each other.

In the photo we had already moved the 1000 lb. beast about 20 feet, ancient Egyptian style by putting those round pvc pipes under it and rolling it back toward the water. As far as the race weekend went, mechanical failures though out, we decided it's time to pull the engine out and clean everything up and put new hoses and fasteners, I guess I spent too much time paddling and not enough time with my head inside the engine compartment."

Paddler Spotlight - Arlene & Jeremy

Birthday?
Arlene: 3/9
Jeremy: 11/23


Hometown?
Arlene: Del Aire – suburb of Hawthorne/Inglewood
Jeremy: Redondo Beach


How long have you been paddling for?
Arlene: 2 years (tech: July-Sept 2007 & July-Oct 2008 = SF tourney)
Jeremy: One season, since Jan '08


Why do you paddle?
Arlene: Adrenalin & the people (meaning SD teammates). As much commitments that I have with family life, I want to keep coming back to the Space Dragons family.
Jeremy: Emily tricked me into it!

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Arlene: No notable moment, but favorite moments are being part of a race and cheer section as you watch our team cross the finish line.
Jeremy: Favorite moment was when everyone forgot that I owe the team Korean BBQ!!

Any dislikes or complaints about the sport?
Arlene: Nah
Jeremy: The smelly db practice clothes if I don't wash them right away.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Arlene: Masseuse
Jeremy: Working on classic cars, working out, running, various sports

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Arlene: Stretch the muscles more (yoga) and get more cardio in, so the anxiety of racing doesn’t get to me. (That’s why after a race you feel like you want to bang or be banged! That’s why I don’t bring my better half to a tourney; so I wont get distracted).
Jeremy: Nothing special. Rest, light meal, stretch.

Favorite form of Wobbly Pop?
Arlene: Sorry, I don’t know what Wobbly Pop is.
Jeremy: The kind with zero calories

Any advise for new Paddlers?
Arlene: Listen to the coaches (they really do give improving advise) and have fun with the team. Everyone was a newbie before you.
Jeremy: Stay off of Joe's boat!!!

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Arlene: I am a better paddler when we are pumped up as a team: Inspired (if Happy I’m too relaxed and if Angry, I would not want to paddle).
Jeremy: What does angry mean?

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Arlene: As many times as I show or not able to show; I am still welcomed as if I was a seasoned veteran of the team. Enjoy the SD love.
Jeremy: I have so many favorite parts its too hard to choose.

Name a fellow Space Dragon (or five) of either sex you would want to hook-up with a close-friend, family member...maybe yourself :) ?
Arlene: Dangerous Question!!! (all I saw in this question was the word SEX). I cannot answer this. I love both sexes!!!
Jeremy: None, we are one hell of an ugly team!

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Arlene: Cannot say, I think our team is sooo diverse. I thought of something to say about each team-mate. Each person has different backgrounds, interest, and levels of expertise; but when we come together, everyone becomes ‘One Team’. (that’s why I love coming back).
Jeremy: Galen is "interesting" to say the least

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Arlene: Tuff one, no suggestion of changes from me; that’s why I’m not a captain or a coach.
Jeremy: I gotta worry about being part of a team that would have me as a member. We should be more selective!

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Arlene: Hell no, never written! See me at a party and you will get to know my interesting facts.
Jeremy: I actually wore a "fat suit" the whole time and just removed it to win the Biggest Loser Contest!

Opportunity to put our logo on your undies!

Awesome Space Dragons,

Show your Space Dragon pride!!
Upon popular demand, I will be doing more screen printing of the Space Dragons logo on personal items (SD Logo-izing).

SD paddlers have been using SD wear around town for years now. I've seen it on hoodies of all colors and have seen them on jerseys used for practice. I've seen it on underwear too!! You can have some made for trading after tournaments and SD wear make great gifts for Christmas. My grandsons will be blessed with toddler and kid sized SD hoodies!! (They out grown them!!)

As a reminder, SD Logo-izing can be done on your favorite sportswear, pajamas or underwear. However, it will not stick to terry cloth, fleece and rain gear type materials.

Price is $5 for each logo. Front or back. $10 for both front and back.

People was also inquiring about (and not much people know about) embroidery for fitted caps. See below of the design of the embroidery. We have different color fitted caps that can be made. Available colors are white, pink, baby blue, navy, black and of course, Sacred SD Royal blue. I think the SD royal blue ones are available up to 7 1/8 only. Please find out what your hat size is and I will see if it is available.

You may also bring in your own hat or beanie also to have embroidered also. Please show them to me first because they may not approve of certain types of materials (like knitted beanies) and hat styles (They would laugh if you ask them to put it one a Indiana Jomes type hat).

Note: Although there is no law from the Space Dragon gods on what color headwear we can use during tournaments, I am sure we can appease them if we had some kind of uniformity. Lets (try to) keep the SD royal blue and black caps for wear "Inside The Boat" during tournaments and the off color ones for whenever else you want wear it. May the god, Donna Batangan, mother of SD, strike you down with a bolt of lightning if you paddled with a green hat during a tournament!!

Price is $10 per fitted cap, unless you have your own, which is $5. I will ask if they can embroider the SD logo (hat one) on clothing or jackets too.

Sorry for the short notice, but please get me your items to be embroidered or screen printed (with monies if possible) as soon as possible. People may want to send their SD Christmas gifts out early!!

Space Dragon Pride!!

Ceez

2008 Year-End Banquet

Dec 6, 2008
6:00 PM - ??
Buona Vita Trattoria
439 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach,
CA 90254 US
Pay for your tickets at practice!

Looking like it's going to be a memorable night with ...

A 2008 Year-End Video
Silent Auctions
Awards
White Elephant Gift Exchange
Great Grub & Drinks
Great Company (in suits & dresses!)
Ceez's famous games!
And more!

Check out last year's banquet & video here!

Also ... check out Ripple Effect's 2008 Year End Video!
Thanks for sharing, Kurt:

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3

Sunday (11/16) Practice Cancelled

Practice on Sunday (11/16) is canceled due to the smoke. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of all the fires. Be safe everyone!

Paddler Spotlight - Jane & Dwayne

Birthday?

Jane: 12/20

Dwayne: 1/9

Hometown?
Jane: Yokohama, Japan
Dwayne: La Canada, CA

How long have you been paddling for?
Jane: Since 2002 when we were still TRW.
Dwayne: 2 years with UCI, 1 year with Space Dragons


Why do you paddle?
Jane: Because Mike, Donna, and I started the team. I love being on the water and it's a good workout.
Dwayne: So I can have lunch with the team afterward. haha jk. The sport keeps me motivated to stay in shape, and the team camaraderie is something that keeps me coming back.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Jane: A few: 1) AJ screaming "where's the flag" in Portland. 2) Coaches making us continue practice with the boat full of water after we almost capsized one Wed nite. 3) Paddling at what felt like "lightning speed" with the San Diego Woman's team at Lake Merced
Dwayne: Land practices! jk, really my favorite Space Dragon event is the end-of-the-year dinner, because you get to look at our achievements over the past year and the gift exchange is always a blast.

Any dislikes or complaints about the sport?
Jane: Pain
Dwayne: Land practices kill me, but its useful because it helps me measure my athleticism.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Jane: Nothing out of the ordinary. Crafts, dance, movies, plays, concerts, yoga, pilates, etc.
Dwayne: Cooking, but Robert and Mayana's pumpkin muffins and Marina's banana bread is so much better. Let's leave the cooking up to them.

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Jane: Rest
Dwayne: I usually work out longer and more often the coming weeks before the race. I want to make sure I'm in peak condition, so I know I tried my best for the race.

Favorite form of Wobbly Pop?
Jane: Am I limited to one? Old stand-bye is regular margarita on the rocks, no salt. I enjoy Martini and Mojito. Loved Pisco Sour in Peru!
Dwayne: Wobbly Pop?

Any advise for new Paddlers?
Jane: At some point it does get easier but it never gets easy.
Dwayne: All hail Coach Joe.

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Jane: Happy of course. Anger is wasted energy.
Dwayne: Angry like the Hulk. You want to hit that water so hard, that you know your dig and pull was substantial.

Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Jane: Friends and big hugs.
Dwayne: Being the most fun team in the history of the sport!

Name a fellow Space Dragon (or five) of either sex you would want to hook-up with a close-friend, family member...maybe yourself :) ?
Jane: Not much of a match maker ... and I'm very happily married.
Dwayne: Galen, if he can break my friend who thinks she's too good for anybody. I believe he can do it! haha.

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Jane: I take the 5th so I don't get in trouble.
Dwayne: Devant the Human Ipod. This guy probably knows any song that you name, INCLUDING its lyrics.

If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Jane: More sense of urgency? But I know that's what makes us SD, right Joe?
Dwayne: Ripple Effect's Kaluha cake after every practice. haha.

Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Jane: Some things are better left secrets.
Dwayne: I actually wish gas prices were higher. Then maybe there would be less traffic.

Pro Athlete Workouts

If you're a Sports fan or if you're looking for training ideas & inspiration, check out this website:

www.gametimeworkouts.com

Includes media describing a wide range of athlete's approaches to training & prep for competition. Good motivation & source of ideas for your own workouts.

Paddler Spotlight - Stephanie & Rod

Step & Rod lead-off on what will be a continual feature of our website - Paddler Spotlight!

Birthday? ?
Step: 3/4
Rod 1/16

Hometown?
Step: la palma
Rod: Gardena, Ca

How long have you been paddling for?
Step: 11 years
Rod: I'll be starting my 4th season in 2009.


Why do you paddle?
Step: i love being a part of something where people work towards a common goal and have fun doing it.
Rod: I've always been involved in sports in one way or another. I like the thrill of competition and being able to push myself as hard as possible in order to achieve my personal goals as a paddler. I enjoy paddling because I like being in the water and challenging myself to be better.

Favorite or notable Space Dragon moment(s)?
Step: practically open water racing in the channel. wind and waves and the paddle getting nothing but air on a few strokes.
Rod: My favorite moment is when our boats cross the finish line 1st. Most notable is going for a swim in San Francisco.


Any dislikes or complaints about the sport?
Step: long beach water is freaking disgusting!
Rod: If I had any I wouldn't be part of the "Space Dragons" family.

Any hobbies, activities, interests outside of paddling?
Step: music, books, and traveling
Rod: I enjoy weight training, wushu (although I don't practice any more I still enjoy watching it), surfing (wish I had the time to go more often), fishing and playing basketball.

How do you prepare yourself for a Race?
Step: try to get enough sleep (which is why i'm always napping at tourneys)
Rod: Train as hard as my body will allow me to. Try to avoid junk foods. Take my vitamins and supplements (no steroids or HGH). Get enough sleep.


Favorite form of Wobbly Pop?
Step: lemon drop shots
Rod: Wobbly Pop...don't touch the stuff any more.


Any advise for new Paddlers?
Step: be prepared for butt chafing!
Rod: The only advise that I would give to new paddlers is...Don't get discouraged. Listen to the coaches. Try not to miss any practices and try to have fun.

Are you a better Paddler when you are Happy or Angry?
Step: what are you talking about? i'm a great paddler no matter what!
Rod: I would tend to be a better paddler when I'm in a Happy Paddler mode. Everything seems to come together more naturally. My body is more relaxed and my breathing is more controlled. I perform better.


Favorite part about being a Space Dragon?
Step: i LOVE the space dragons attitude! coaches only ask that you do your best. focus on your own performance, no putting down other teams, and have fun. what else is there?
Rod: The people. You guys/gals are the best!


Name a fellow Space Dragon (or five) of either sex you would want to hook-up with a close-friend, family member...maybe yourself :) ?
Step: i think i have a girl crush on jackie; she's awesome!
Rod: Wade...I'm not quite sure I understand the question or what you are looking for in an answer. I think I'll pass on answering this one just to be safe.

Most interesting character you've met through the team?
Step: galen!
Rod: Got to be Galen. He really knows how to have fun. But when it comes down to racing he is all business. I like the way he gets into everybody's faces and gets them pumped. We are very fortunate to have him on the team.


If you could change one thing about the Team, what would it be?
Step: more boys ages 24-30. haha!
Rod: humm...can't think of anything to change.


Any interesting facts about yourself - or secrets that you want to divulge?
Step: nono, secrets are secret for a reason. ;)
Rod: I could still get 10 reps with the 80 lb dumbbells on the flat and incline bench. Hope to get to the 90's by the end of the year.